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THE INTERNATIONAL SERVICE FELLOWSHIP TRUST
(known as INTERSERVE GREAT BRITAIN & IRELAND)
Company Registration Number: 02789773 Charity Commission Registration Number: 1020758 OSCR number: SCO47295
(A company limited by guarantee having no share capital)
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
31st December 2024
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THE INTERNATIONAL SERVICE FELLOWSHIP TRUST
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31ST DECEMBER 2024
| Contents | Page |
|---|---|
| Report of the directors | 1-9 |
| Independent auditor's report | 10-13 |
| Statement of financial activities | 14 |
| Balance sheet | 15 |
| Cash flow statement | 16 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 17-34 |
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REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS
Report of the Directors
The directors present their report together with the financial statements of the charitable company for the year ended 31st December 2024. The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements, the Memorandum and Articles of Association and the Statement of Recommended Practice, SORP (FRS102) – Accounting and Reporting by Charities issued in 2015.
1. Our nature, charitable purpose & approach
Our registered name is ‘ The International Service Fellowship Trust ’ (ISFT) and we are a member of the global alliance of agencies known as ‘ The Interserve Fellowship ’, which is a voluntary collaboration of fourteen independently registered charities that recruit, send and support Christian workers through Interserve national offices and a number of partnerships with other organisations. Our workers serve in Asia and the Arab world and among Asian and Arab communities in Great Britain & Ireland (GBI). The international fellowship operates on the basis of agreed ‘foundation documents’, which include a ‘statement of faith’ and a common vision, purpose and values.
Our vision:
To see lives and communities transformed through encounter with Jesus Christ.
Our purpose:
To make Jesus Christ known among the peoples of Asia and the Arab World.
How we work:
Interserve is ‘evangelical’ in its understanding and practice of the Bible’s teaching. It works for , with and through the local church in around 40 countries across Asia and the Arab world, as well as among these peoples living in ‘diaspora’ in Great Britain & Ireland. Interserve works ‘wholistically’, or in an integrated way, serving the whole person – i.e. body, mind and spirit, within a social context.
We do this through:
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A. recruiting Christians in our focus area for service.
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B. serving local churches through training how to reach out to those from other cultures and faiths in appropriate and respectful ways.
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C. contributing to social cohesion and the common good in multi-religious societies.
Rather than running our own projects, Interserve workers are often placed into projects led by other charities, local churches and other institutions set up to meet the common good and in line with our charitable objects. In many cases, Interserve workers do not obtain a salary from other charities and organisations and are provided with living allowances and ministry expenses by Interserve. In setting long-term strategies, reviewing annual priorities and regularly discussing the impact that the activities of the charity are having, the Trustees have regard to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit and our charitable objects.
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REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS
2. Strategic Report
What we did in 2024: Activities, Achievements and Performance
At the end of the year 39 long-term workers (serving more than two years) were engaged in overseas work, either in situ or remotely from the UK. Between them, they were engaged in activities such as:
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Community support
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ethical business (providing local employment and modelling an approach to business with a high moral standard)
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medical services
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educational services
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community projects
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Church support and development
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Supporting local churches, including how they serve the marginalised in their local communities.
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‘theological education by extension’ (TEE)
Within the UK, at the end of 2024, 54 long-term workers and 25 associate members were engaged in activities such as:
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educational services including homework clubs and English teaching courses
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life-skill groups and support for migrants (transient and resident)
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cultural awareness courses and seminars
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prayer initiatives
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practical engagement with asylum seekers
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training and resourcing local British churches as they help refugees settle and integrate
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facilitating the set-up and running of wellbeing initiatives
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walking alongside others in their faith journeys and providing mentoring.
We continued to enjoy the participation of Interserve Partners from overseas in our national team in 2024, with four coming from India and two from Brazil.
Our National Office support staff continued to provide:
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a quality care and support facility appropriate to the needs of those serving overseas and in Great Britain & Ireland.
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an efficient, effective, and financially sustainable administrative function.
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Support for workers coming from other parts of the international Fellowship to join our team in the UK.
As well as placement of workers overseas and within the UK to meet our objectives, we also continued to engage churches and individual supporters through ongoing communications designed to inform, stimulate thought and equip people. These included:
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Publication and distribution of “Go” Magazine – sent to around 6,000 recipients in 2024.
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Content creation and engagement through multiple social media channels.
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Production and distribution of booklets to stimulate prayer. While Interserve takes the lead in these projects, these are created in close collaboration with a number of other charities and promoted widely.
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Launch of a one-session student version of the Friendship First course , a resource for equipping people to reach out effectively in a cross-cultural context.
The Board of Trustees have decided to continue the strategic direction set in our last full-scale strategy review in 2021. These are summarised by the three strategic intents: growing diversity, growing responsiveness and growing community. The Board continue to believe that these strategic intents are highly relevant. Our staff and volunteer communities continue to grow in cultural and ethnic diversity and we are starting to see more engagement of those under the age of 35.
Financial review & how expenditure supported objectives
The financial results for the year ended 31st December 2024 are reflected in the Statement of Financial Activities on page 14. The overall surplus for the year was £58,103 (2023 surplus - £484,945). The surplus for the year included £453,748 from legacies (2023 - £501,524). This legacy income is transferred to designated funds, where 10% is allocated for use in grant support of the work of associated organisations’ projects to further the achievement of our objectives. The remaining 90% is allocated to a Development fund which is being used to meet the strategic investment needs of Interserve activity.
The unrestricted funds reported a net surplus of £74,209, consisting of net income of £37,202, increased by a net addition of £37,007 arising from gains on investments.
Of the total income of £2,638,094 (2023 - £2,628,736); donations & gifts given by individuals and organisations in support of our objects totalled £1,986,355 (2023 - £1,997,068). Of this sum £1,467,249 was donations and gifts in direct support of our “Partners” (our frontline workers overseas and in the UK), who are targeted with raising sufficient support under our personalised support system, to meet the costs of their ministry activity both overseas in countries across the Asian and Arab world and in the UK.
From the total income raised, £1,330,106 (2023- £1,404,511) has been spent directly in support of the charity’s Partners and their project work. Included in this cost is £150,026 (2023 - £161,445) which is used to cover the costs within the National Office budget in undertaking the essential Partner support activities, including member care and financial administration. The remainder of the income is applied to the direct costs of the individual Partners and associated projects, being £1,180,080 spent in this year (2023 - £1,243,066). The balance is carried forward to meet the direct and support costs of the Partners and projects in the coming year.
Of our total activity costs of £2,534,810 spent in the year (2023 - £2,475,741), £939,416, was spent on our Overseas activities (2023 - £991,357), £1,210,438 on UK based activities (2023 - £1,103,086), £352,810 on our National outreach (2023 - £344,385) and £32,146 on Resources and Conferences (2023 - £36,913). After income generated from the sale of resources and conference income, the Resources and conferences activity had a net cost of £19,114. Further detail can be found in Notes 6 & 7 to the financial statements.
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REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS
There has been a reduction in the support and governance costs to £664,727 in the year (2023 - £749,697). Further analysis of these costs is given in Note 8 to the financial statements.
In accordance with the ‘Investment Policy’ on page 5 the investments objectives are to preserve the capital value and to generate income to support the on-going activities of the Trust. In total investment generated net gain of £48,044 (2023 - £416,528) with £15,240 relating to the increase of the investment property market value (2023 - £397,002 from the sale of previous investment property) and £32,804 ( 2023 – £19,526) generated by a portfolio of the listed investments.
Income from the listed investments portfolio amounted to £21,991 (2023 - £20,829). No rent is payable by a life tenant occupying the investment property.
The trustees consider that over the longer term both objectives have been achieved.
Reserves & Investment policy
Interserve keeps reserves and can spend them in order to meet a range of issues including:
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emergencies both in the UK and overseas including repatriation costs for Partners in some countries where political and religious stability is currently unpredictable.
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budgeted short to medium term projects that fall over more than one financial year, including for example upgrading the financial system
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variations in general income and legacy income that are either predicted or, by nature, not predictable;
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restricted funds allocated by donors and shown separately in the accounts which are set aside for these specified purposes and normally relate to Partners; and
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designated funds for specific Partners.
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12 to 20 weeks of salaries and costs to allow for compliance of employment law and current regulations
Interserve’s Reserves Policy involves:
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(a) Excluding those elements of the charity’s total funds that constitute endowment or other restricted funds set aside for specified purposes, that are designated towards the support of specific partners, that are invested in fixed assets not practically realisable in the near term (e.g. buildings Interserve uses itself) and that have already been committed to existing programmes or to meet expected general fund deficits over the next three years;
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(b) Determining how much of the balance should be retained in reserve to meet plausible potential adverse experience including costs that the charity would be subject to if some unforeseen event caused it to close or to need to merge with another charity. The charity does this bearing in mind Charity Commission guidance on what are reasonable reserves to set aside for these purposes; and
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(c) Determining the best way to spend the remaining balance in furtherance of its strategic objectives.
At 31 December 2024, Interserve’s total charity funds amounted to £5,104,392 (2023 - £5,046,289) but of these funds, £3,734,984 (2023- £3,026,616) were in endowment or other restricted funds set aside for specified purposes, designated towards the support of specific partners, in fixed assets not practically realisable in the near term or had otherwise been committed as per (a).
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Of the balance of £1,369,408 (2023- £2,019,673) Interserve considers it reasonable to hold reserves of c£585,000 to cater for potential adverse experience. This is approximately 37 weeks of its General Fund expenditure or approximately 11 weeks of its overall expenditure for the year ending 31 December 2024.
Interserve’s Reserves Policy is reviewed annually by the Finance and Risk Management Group (FRMG, a sub-committee of the Board), bearing in mind current known risks which are regularly assessed by this Group. It was most recently reviewed by this Group in May 2025 and agreed by the Board in June 2025.
Investment Policy : In accordance with our ‘Investment Policy’, investments held have been acquired in accordance with the powers available to the directors. The investments are held in a mix of asset classes in order to provide capital growth over the long term together with lower risk investments providing income security and the ability to react to cash demands as highlighted by the reserves policy, in accord with the Investment policy. In line with its values, Interserve will not invest in market sectors such as tobacco, arms, alcohol, gambling or pornography. The application of the Investment policy is overseen by the FRMG on behalf of the Board.
Plans for the Future
In 2025 we will recruit a new National Director as the current incumbent will move to a role within the International Fellowship. The Board of Trustees are all involved in the selection of the new National Director and are working to ensure that there is a smooth transition in leadership and continued strategic focus.
Having appointed a Young Adults and Digital Communications Coordinator in 2024, we will continue to grow our efforts to engage people under 30 in the aims and objectives of the charity. Fundraising is another area we continue to pay attention to and we have recruited a new Communications and Fundraising Manager in order to develop our engagement with supporters and funders.
The Board of Trustees have appointed a Refurbishment Group to work with a firm of architects to scope out options to improve the accommodation at our charity’s home at St John’s House in Birmingham. The aim of this work is to maximise the impact of this key asset well into the future whilst having regard for prudent and effective use of the resources under the charity’s control.
Principle Risks and Uncertainties
All significant activities undertaken are subject to a risk review as part of an ongoing management process using a robust Risk Register. The Trustees and management team review these risks on an ongoing basis and satisfy themselves that adequate systems and procedures are in place to manage the risks identified. Major risks are identified by the management team in collaboration with a Finance and Risk Management Group (FRMG) which maintains the Risk Register; scrutinised and approved by the Board.
We believe that our greatest strategic risk going forward continues to be the potential failure to recruit and retain long-term workers to carry out the activities of the charity. For those who want to serve overseas, some governments are less willing to grant visas to overseas workers and in several of the contexts where the charity works, the legislative environment has changed significantly.
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REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS
Steps to mitigate this risk include broadening our engagement efforts, more flexible processes for matching workers with opportunities and promoting opportunities in the UK as well as overseas. A commitment to providing good care to existing workers helps to maximise retention.
As a charity, Interserve is dependent on the donations of individuals, churches, and charitable trusts. There is a risk of decline in income which will impact both the short-term operations and the longterm viability of the organisation. To mitigate this risk our fundraising team seeks to maintain a diverse range of funding streams that include regular and one-off donations, legacy income and income-generating activities. Management accounts are scrutinized monthly by the management team and quarterly by the Finance and Risk Management Group and a cash reserves policy is followed. Other operational risks in areas such as safeguarding, and data protection are minimized through maintaining up to date policies and processes and comprehensive training of staff and volunteers.
Political instability or insecurity in countries where personnel are located is an ongoing reality. Interserve International has robust systems and processes in place to ensure rapid and appropriate responses when needed. Due diligence is carried out on all donations that are made by the charity and scrutinized by the Finance and Risk Management Group in an annual review.
3.Governance and management structures
Governance : The charitable company is governed by its Memorandum & Articles of Association. The directors form its Board, and they are responsible for appointing the National Director (the senior role of the management team), approving the Annual Report and Financial Statements, appointing the auditors, and ensuring that the charitable company is managed by the National Director in accordance with the policies established by the Board from time to time.
The directors are recruited through recommendations from Board members and others. An audit of skills, training and experience is kept and is used to prioritise the selection of people that are needed on the Board. The National Director (or Company Secretary) provides an orientation programme with new directors after appointment.
The Finance and Risk Management Group (FRMG) is a sub-committee of the Board. This committee monitors the work of the Finance Manager and is tasked by the Board with overseeing the preparation of the Annual Report & Financial Statements; the budgeting process; the audit process; and the riskmanagement process.
The National Director, through a National Leadership Team, is responsible for taking all actions necessary to achieve the aims of the charity. The day to day management of the charity is delegated to the National Director who is also Company Secretary; and chair (NLT) Iain Dougall is the Interim ND since Chris Binder left at end of February 2025.
International: Our involvement with the International Fellowship continues through the role of the Chair of the Board and the National Director, who are both voting members of the International Leaders' Consultation . The Leaders’ Consultation (LC) elects the governing body, called the International Council (IC), and holds it accountable for the execution of the policies of the broader Interserve Fellowship, internationally.
Interserve in Great Britain and Ireland (Interserve GBI) has signed a “Covenant of Fellowship” with the other entities within the International Fellowship. The covenant commits Interserve GBI to uphold
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REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS
the statement of faith, purpose statement, vision and values of the International Fellowship, to work within the accountability structures by which the fellowship functions, to observe agreed financial principles and procedures and maintain consistent communications. At the same time, Interserve GBI retains its legal autonomy within the International Fellowship and duly operates within the charity laws and regulations within its registered territories.
Management pay policy : Key management personnel pay and remuneration is set within the context of an overall staff pay and remuneration pay-scale policy
4. Reference and administrative details
Constitution
The International Service Fellowship Trust was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee on 12th February 1993 (registration number 2789773) and is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association. All the business and assets of the unincorporated association INTERSERVE and ISFT Limited were assigned by deed to The International Service Fellowship Trust on 1st March 1993. This company is registered with the Charity Commission in England and Wales under reference 1020758 and with the Scottish Charity Regulator in Scotland under reference SC047295.
The directors may at any time appoint a member to be a director either to fill a casual vacancy or by way of an additional director within the limits set out in the Memorandum and Articles of Association, namely a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 15.
Trading names
The International Service Fellowship Trust operates as Interserve Great Britain and Ireland. It also uses the trading name of Kitab, or Kitab Interserve Resources for its book publication and marketing activity.
Registered Office
652 Alum Rock Road, Birmingham B8 3NS
Directors
The directors who served during the year were as follows:
Mr Kevin Ashman Dr Christine Boardman Mr Alan Butler Mrs Keiko Butterworth Mr Emmanuel Gill Rev Jane Howitt (Chair) Mr Malcolm Kemp Mr Jude Olisa (resigned 2 November 2024) Rev John Smuts Mr Simon Hocking (appointed 19 May 2025)
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Relevant organisations
Principal Bankers
Barclays Bank Plc Close Brothers Treasury Ashton House 4[th] Floor 497 Silbury Boulevard 10 Crown Place Milton Keynes London MK9 2LD EC2A 4FT
Auditor
Griffin Stone Moscrop & Co. 21-27 Lamb’s Conduit Street London WC1N 3GS
Actuaries
Barnett Waddingham LLP Chalfont Court Hill Hill Avenue Amersham HP6 5BB
Solicitors
Anthony Collins Solicitors 134 Edmund Street Birmingham B3 2ES
Investment Manager
JM Finn 4 Coleman Street London EC2R 5TA
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REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS
Directors' responsibilities
The directors are responsible for preparing the annual report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards.
Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year. In preparing these financial statements the board of directors are required to:-
a) select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
b) observe methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
c) make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
d) state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
e) prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in operation.
The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company, and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
As far as the members of the Board are aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the charitable company's auditor is unaware.
All of the members of the Board have taken all steps that they ought to as directors in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the charitable company's auditor is aware of that information.
Auditor
In 2025, the Trustees re-appointed Messrs Griffin Stone Moscrop & Co, Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors for three years.
The above Directors Report and Strategic Report have been approved by the Board of Directors on 2 June 2025 and signed on its behalf by:-
I Dougall SECRETARY
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INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE INTERNATIONAL SERVICE FELLOWSHIP TRUST
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of The International Service Fellowship Trust (the ‘charitable company’) for the year ended 31 December 2024 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Cash Flow Statement , and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
In our opinion the financial statements:
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give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company’s affairs as at 31 December 2024, and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the year then ended;
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have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
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have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
Other information
The other information comprises the information included in the trustees annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated.
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INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE INTERNATIONAL SERVICE FELLOWSHIP TRUST (continued)
If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
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the information given in the trustees' report (incorporating the strategic report and the directors’ report) for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
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the strategic report and the directors’ report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report and the directors’ report.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
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adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
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the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
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certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or
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we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit
Responsibilities of trustees
As explained more fully in the trustees’ responsibilities statement set out on pages 9 and 10, the trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charitable company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists.
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INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE INTERNATIONAL SERVICE FELLOWSHIP TRUST (continued)
Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:
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Performing audit work over the risk of management override of controls, including evaluating the rationale of significant transactions outside the normal course of the charitable activity and any accounting estimates for bias;
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Carry out substantive checks, on a sample basis, to supporting documentation of individual transactions within income and expenditure, to give comfort the statement of financial activities does not contain any material irregular items;
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Verifying the material balances within the balance sheet are supported by third party evidence to confirm existence and valuation at the balance sheet date;
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Enquiry of management and those charged with governance around actual and potential litigation and claims; and .
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Reviewing minutes of the trustee meetings.
Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.
As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs (UK), we exercise professional judgment and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also:
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Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.
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Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the charitable company’s internal control.
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Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by the trustees.
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Conclude on the appropriateness of the trustees’ use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the charitable company’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the charitable company to cease to continue as a going concern.
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INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE INTERNATIONAL SERVICE FELLOWSHIP TRUST (continued)
- Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial statements, including the disclosures, and whether the financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation (ie. gives a true and fair view).
We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the charitable company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Reema Mistry FCA (Senior Statutory Auditor) For and on behalf of GRIFFIN STONE MOSCROP & CO Statutory Auditor
21-27 Lamb's Conduit Street London, WC1N 3GS 2 June 2025
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STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (including the Income and Expenditure Account) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024
| Note | ed Unrestrict funds |
d Restricte funds |
nt Endowme funds |
2024 Total funds |
2023 Total funds |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Income and endowments from: | ||||||
| Donations and legacies | 2 | 2,265,388 | 174,715 | - | 2,440,103 | 2,498,592 |
| Charitable activities | 3 | 59,072 | - | - | 59,072 | 58,441 |
| Investments | 4 | 138,919 | - | - | 138,919 | 71,703 |
| Total | 2,463,379 | 174,715 | - | 2,638,094 | 2,628,736 | |
| Expenditure on: | ||||||
| Raising funds | 5 | 79,225 | - | 79,225 | 66,578 | |
| Charitable activities | 6 | 2,346,952 | 187,858 | - | 2,534,810 | 2,475,741 |
| Total | 2,426,177 | 187,858 | - | 2,614,035 | 2,542,319 | |
| Net income/(expenditure) before movements on |
37,202 | (13,143) | - | 24,059 | 86,417 | |
| Net gains (losses) on investments | 37,007 | (2,685) | 13,722 | 48,044 | 416,528 | |
| Net income/(expenditure) | 10 | 74,209 | (15,828) | 13,722 | 72,103 | 502,945 |
| Other recognised (losses)/gains: | ||||||
| Actuarial gains on defined benefit | ||||||
| pension scheme | 21 | (14,000) | - | - | (14,000) | (18,000) |
| Net movement in funds | 60,209 | (15,828) | 13,722 | 58,103 | 484,945 | |
| Reconciliation of funds: | ||||||
| Total funds brought forward | 11 | 4,552,782 | 90,645 | 402,862 | 5,046,289 | 4,561,344 |
| Total funds carried forward | 4,612,991 | 74,817 | 416,584 | 5,104,392 | 5,046,289 |
The attached notes form part of these financial statements.
14
Docusign Envelope ID: 3550FDFB-C154-4AE5-98D6-8E364ED4A21BDocusign Envelope ID: 96875BF2-8EB0-42B3-9EDF-1FB6FEF4634C
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024 Company Registration Number 02789773
| Note | 2024 | 2023 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed assets | £ | £ | £ | £ | |||
| Tangible assets | 16 | 874,241 | 925,828 | ||||
| Investments | 17 | 1,405,227 | 705,302 | ||||
| 2,279,468 | 1,631,130 | ||||||
| Current assets | |||||||
| Stocks | 18 | 19,328 | 20,265 | ||||
| Debtors | 19 | 462,285 | 728,958 | ||||
| Investments - notice deposits >3 months | 750,887 | 793,475 | |||||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 1,920,837 | 2,131,972 | |||||
| 3,153,337 | 3,674,670 | ||||||
| Creditors: amounts falling due | |||||||
| within one year | 20 | 177,413 | 102,511 | ||||
| Net current assets | 2,975,924 | 3,572,159 | |||||
| Total assets less current liabilities | 5,255,392 | 5,203,289 | |||||
| Defined benefit scheme provision | 21 | (151,000) | (157,000) | ||||
| Total net assets | 5,104,392 | 5,046,289 | |||||
| The funds of the charity: | |||||||
| Endowment fund | 22,26 | 416,584 | 402,862 | ||||
| Restricted income funds | 23,26 | 74,817 | 90,645 | ||||
| Unrestricted funds: | |||||||
| Designated funds | 24,26 | 4,003,235 | 3,985,270 | ||||
| General fund | 25,26 | 609,756 | 567,512 | ||||
| Total charity funds | 5,104,392 | 5,046,289 |
Approved and authorised for issue by the board of directors on 2 June 2025 and signed on its behalf by:-
| ) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sauer Kowdt | ) ) |
|
| Rev Jane Howitt | ) | |
| ) | DIRECTORS | |
| ) | ||
| ) | ||
| Malcolm fermp | ) ) |
|
| Mr Malcolm Kemp | ) |
The attached notes form part of these financial statements.
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CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Note | Total funds | Total funds | |
| £ | £ | ||
| Cash flows from operating activities: | |||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 27 | 267,436 | 86,710 |
| Cash flows from investing activities: | |||
| Dividends, interest and rents from investments | 75,111 | 44,678 | |
| Proceeds from Sale of property | - | 925,000 | |
| Purchase of Property | (600,000) | - | |
| Proceeds from sale of investments | 158,046 | 235,047 | |
| Purchase of investments | (209,530) | (311,058) | |
| Purchase of Fixed assets | (2,198) | - | |
| Withdrawal from deposit accounts | 100,000 | - | |
| Net cash provided by investing activities | (478,571) | 893,667 | |
| Change in cash and cash equivalents in the reporting | |||
| period | (211,135) | 980,377 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the | |||
| reporting period | 2,131,972 | 1,151,595 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting | |||
| period | 28 | 1,920,837 | 2,131,972 |
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024 (continued)
1. Accounting policies
(a) Basis of preparation and assessment of going concern
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the presentation currency of the charitable company, and are rounded to the nearest £1.
The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.
The directors consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern.
Judgements in applying policies and key sources of estimation uncertainty In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of the assets and liabilities that are not obtainable from other sources. Judgement, estimates and assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates, but are unlikely to be material.
(b) Funds structure
The charity has a single permanent endowment. This endowment fund arises from an appeal by the charity called “Interserve Plus Fund”. The purpose of the appeal was to create a permanent fund, the income of which is included in unrestricted funds and is used for meeting International support costs.
Restricted funds are funds which are used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by the donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in note 23 to the financial statements.
Unrestricted income funds comprise those funds which are available for use at the discretion of the directors in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity. Unrestricted funds include designated funds where the directors, at their discretion, have created a fund for specific purposes and a General fund. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in note 24 to the financial statements.
(c) Income recognition
All income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.
Donations are recognised when the charity have been notified of both the amount and settlement date. In the event that a donation is subject to conditions that require a level of performance before the charity is entitled to the funds, the income is deferred and not recognised until either those conditions are fully met, or the fulfilment of those conditions is wholly within the control of the charity and is probable that those conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting period.
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024 (continued)
Legacy gifts are recognised on a case by case basis following the granting of probate when the administrator/executor for the estate has communicated in writing both the amount and settlement date. In the event that the gift is in the form of an asset other than cash or a financial asset traded on a recognised stock exchange, recognition is subject to the value of the gift being reliably measurable with a degree of reasonable accuracy and the title to the asset having been transferred to the charity. Where legacies have been notified to the charity, or the charity is aware of the granting of probate, and the criteria for income recognition have not been met, then the legacy is treated as a contingent asset and disclosed if material.
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank. Dividends are recognised once the dividend has been declared and notification has been received of the dividend due.
(d) Expenditure recognition and irrecoverable VAT
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis. Expenditure is classified under the following activity headings:
-
Costs of raising funds, which comprise the costs of:
-
Fundraising which are specifically designed to increase the income of the charity
-
The costs of managing and maintaining investments
-
Expenditure on charitable activities
-
Other expenditure not falling into any other heading .
All expenses including support cost and governance costs are allocated or apportioned to the applicable activity headings. Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities and in particular those activities of the National office in support of our mission workers overseas and in the UK. Governance costs comprise all costs involved in the public accountability of the charity and its compliance with regulation and good practice. These costs include costs related to statutory audit, board governance meeting costs, together with an apportionment of overhead and support costs.
The charity has a partial exemption for VAT. Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.
(e) Depreciation
Tangible fixed assets with an initial cost in excess of £1,000 are capitalised at cost in the financial statements. The net book value shown at the balance sheet dates are stated at cost less depreciation and provision for impairment in value. Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets at the following rates per annum so as to write off each asset over its estimated useful working life:
-
Fixtures, fittings and equipment - between 10% and 25% on cost
-
Computers – 20%- 25% on cost
-
Freehold property – 1% on cost
The assets' residual values, useful lives and depreciation methods are reviewed, and adjusted prospectively if appropriate, or if there is an indication of a significant change since the last reporting date.
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024 (continued)
(f) Investments
Investments are stated at their market value at the balance sheet date, any increase or decrease in values being included in the statement of financial activities.
(g) Financial instruments
The Charity principally has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments (including debtors and creditors) are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value.
(h) Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and deposits which mature within 3 months of the date of opening. The statement of cash flows only reflects movements within bank financial statements held where the money can be accessed within three months of the date of opening the deposit.
Current asset investments represent bank deposits which mature 3 months or less after the date of opening.
(i) Stocks
Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and estimated net realisable value. Net realisable value is based on selling price less all further costs of distribution, marketing and selling.
(j) Operating leases
Rentals payable under operating leases are charged in the statement of financial activities on the straight line basis over the terms of the leases.
(k) Pensions
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme on behalf of its employees. The pension cost to the charity is charged to the statement of financial activities on the basis of a constant percentage of employee earnings.
The charity also operates a defined benefit pension scheme for past members of staff. This is an unfunded scheme which exists to ensure that a pension is provided to these past employees in accordance with the charity's past policy on pensions. As all of the scheme's members are now retired and receive pensions directly from the charity, no further contributions are made to the scheme. In respect of this scheme the charity's appointed actuaries have calculated the net present value of the future liabilities payable to the members of the scheme at the balance sheet date. Accordingly a liability is reflected in each of the balance sheets as at 31st December 2024 and 2023.
2 . Income from Donations and legacies
| Donations Legacies Donations and legacies total per SOFA |
2024 2023 £ £ 1,986,355 1,997,068 453,748 501,524 2,440,103 2,498,592 |
|---|---|
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024 (continued)
3. Income from charitable activities
| Ministry resource sales Conference income Independently funded Partners and mid term mission support income Associates income Short term mission trip charges Ancilliary income derived from St John's House Other income 4.Investment income Gross income has been generated as follows from: Investments listed on a recognised stock exchange Bank account and short term deposit interest received Interest income from Notice accounts >3 months 5.Analysis of expenditure on raising funds Direct cost of raising funds Direct cost of managing & maintaining investments Governance cost allocation (see note 8) Support cost allocation (see note 8) |
2024 £ 13,032 4,550 3,533 710 1,000 21,185 15,062 59,072 2024 £ 21,991 79,087 37,841 138,919 2024 £ 593 43,436 2,074 33,122 79,225 |
2023 £ 15,858 185 13,625 1,060 3,267 17,230 7,216 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 58,441 | |||
| 2023 £ 20,829 14,934 35,940 |
|||
| 71,703 | |||
| 2023 £ 4,013 36,463 1,319 24,784 |
|||
| 66,578 |
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024 (continued)
6. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities
| Overseas | UK based | National | Resources & | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| activities | activities | Outreach | Conferences | Total 2024 | Total 2023 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Direct Staff and related costs | 341,914 | 791,926 | 131,997 | - | 1,265,837 | 1,088,014 |
| Other costs | 154,945 | 135,373 | 12,039 | 127 | 302,484 | 421,213 |
| Grants paid (see note 9) | 62,000 | 34,000 | - | 96,000 | 26,573 | |
| Direct project funding | 187,858 | 4,812 | 192,670 | 184,071 | ||
| Conference and event expense | - | 17,207 | 4,307 | 4,975 | 26,489 | 2,080 |
| Cost of GO magazine, prayer | ||||||
| materials, merchandise | 6,870 | 3,414 | 17,203 | 5,332 | 32,819 | 30,199 |
| Governance costs (see note 8) | 10,947 | 13,179 | 11,032 | 1,279 | 36,437 | 36,573 |
| Support costs (see note 8) | 174,882 | 210,527 | 176,232 | 20,432 | 582,073 | 687,018 |
| Total expenditure 2024 | 939,416 | 1,210,438 | 352,810 | 32,146 | 2,534,810 | |
| Total expenditure 2023 | 991,357 | 1,103,086 | 344,385 | 36,913 | 2,475,741 |
7. Summary analysis of expenditure and related income for charitable activities
This note shows the cost of the main key charitable activities and the sources of income directly to support those activities.
| Overseas | UK based | National | Resources & | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| activities | activities | Outreach | Conferences | Total 2024 | Total 2023 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Total activity costs (per note 6) | 939,416 | 1,210,438 | 352,810 | 32,146 | 2,534,810 | 2,475,741 |
| Resources & conference income | - | - | - | (13,032) | (13,032) | (15,858) |
| Ministry fees & charges income | (3,533) | (1,710) | - | - | (5,243) | (17,952) |
| Other income | - | (36,247) | - | - | (36,247) | (24,446) |
| Net cost funded from other income | 935,883 | 1,172,481 | 352,810 | 19,114 | 2,480,288 | 2,417,485 |
8. Analysis of governance and support costs
The charity initially identifies the costs of its support functions. It then identifies those costs which relate to the governance function, including an allocation of support costs based on apportionment of time spent on governance activity. Having identified its governance costs, the remaining support costs together with the governance costs are apportioned between the key charitable activities undertaken (see note 6) in the year based on an apportionment of staff time, in recognition that the office overhead and administrative costs are broadly related to the allocation of staff resourcing within the National Support Office.
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024 (continued)
8. Analysis of governance and support costs (continued)
The support and governance costs are analysed as follows:
| Salaries and related costs Other Staff costs Premises Costs Office administration costs IT costs Audit & related fees Board and sub committee expenses Depreciation & equipment costs Other organisational costs Allocation of support costs to governance Total 2024 costs Total 2023 costs |
Support Governance Total 2024 2023 £ £ £ £ 415,533 - 415,533 523,322 73,402 - 73,402 60,341 19,533 - 19,533 14,672 13,943 - 13,943 14,259 27,897 - 27,897 26,570 - 20,149 20,149 17,284 - 2,767 2,767 4,592 53,784 - 53,784 60,535 33,136 4,583 37,719 28,117 (11,021) 11,021 - - 626,207 38,520 664,727 711,800 37,893 749,694 |
|---|---|
9. Analysis of grants
Grants to other organisations and projects totalling £96,000 (2023- £26,573) were made during the year. Details of organisations to which grants paid are detailed below:
| Funded from designated Legacy tithe fund: ACT International Interserve India Interserve Chile Interserve International Interserve Brazil Global Connections Increase Trust UK Evangelical Alliance World Prayer Guides 10.Net income for the year This is stated after charging the following: Depreciation Audit fee |
2024 2023 £ £ - 15,000 - 918 - 9,655 50,000 - 12,000 - - 1,000 12,000 - 21,500 - 500 - 96,000 26,573 2024 2023 £ £ 50,093 60,488 20,149 17,284 |
|---|---|
10. Net income for the year
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024 (continued)
11. Prior year comparative Statement of Financial Activities
For the Year ended 2023
| Income and endowments from: Donations and legacies Charitable activities Investments Total Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities Total Net(losses)/ gains on investments Net income Other recognised gains/(losses): Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward Actuarial gains on defined benefit pension scheme Net income before gains / (losses) on investments |
d £ £ £ £ 2,294,272 204,320 - 2,498,592 58,441 - - 58,441 71,703 - - 71,703 Unrestricte funds Restricted funds Endowment funds Total funds |
|---|---|
| 2,424,416 204,320 - 2,628,736 |
|
| 66,578 - - 66,578 2,298,701 177,040 - 2,475,741 |
|
| 2,365,279 177,040 - 2,542,319 |
|
| 59,137 27,280 - 86,417 400,441 3,367 12,720 416,528 |
|
| 459,578 30,647 12,720 502,945 (18,000) - - (18,000) |
|
| 441,578 30,647 12,720 484,945 |
|
| 4,111,204 59,998 390,142 4,561,344 |
|
| 4,552,782 90,645 402,862 5,046,289 |
23
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024 (continued)
12. Analysis of Staff costs and remuneration of key management personnel
| Wages and salaries Social security costs Staff Defined Contribution Pension Scheme costs Former Staff Defined Benefit Pension Scheme Costs |
2024 2023 £ £ 1,457,169 1,413,938 98,560 93,988 169,641 137,421 6,197 6,628 1,731,567 1,651,976 |
|---|---|
No employees had employee benefits in excess of £60,000 (2023 - nil). Pension costs are allocated to activities in proportion to the related staffing costs incurred and are wholly charged to unrestricted funds
The directors were not paid or received any other benefits from employment with the charity in the year (2023- nil).
The key management personnel of the charity include the National Director. The total employee benefits of the 6 key management personnel of the charity were £225,607 (2023 - £231,595), including employer national insurance and pension contribution costs.
13. Expenses paid to directors
£1,735 (2023 - £2,911) was reimbursed to 5 (2023 - 7) directors for travel and related expenses incurred in undertaking activities on behalf of the charity.
14. Employee Numbers and Volunteers
The average number of full time equivalent employees, analysed by time allocation during the year to the key charitable activities, are as shown in the following table:-
| charitable activities, are as shown in the following table:- | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Overseas activities UK based activities National outreach Resources & conferences |
2024 26 28 4 1 59 |
2023 28 25 5 1 |
|
| 59 |
The average number of employees (including both UK and overseas Partners) employed during the year were 81 (2023 - 80) comprising 42 full time and 39 part time employees (2023 - full time 41, part time 39).
Volunteers (excluding committee members) gave 120 (2023 - 120) hours of service on the National Office support activities during the year. In addition the work of 19 independently funded Partners (not employees) contributed to the general “front line” charitable activities to varying extents of part time equivalents.
24
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024 (continued)
15. Related party transactions
Related parties include the charity directors and close relatives and key management personnel. Donations received during the year are:
| Trustees and close relatives Key management personnel and close relatives 16.Tangible fixed assets F/Hold property Cost Cost as at 1st January 2023 1,240,554 Additions in the year at cost Disposals in the year - At 31st December 2024 1,240,554 Depreciation and impairments Accum. dep. at 1st January 2024 501,353 Charge in the year 7,700 Disposal - At 31st December 2024 509,053 Net book value At 31st December 2024 731,501 Net book value At 31st December 2023 739,201 |
Fixtures fittings and equipment £ 429,390 (101,490) |
Fixtures fittings and equipment £ 429,390 (101,490) |
2024 2023 £ £ 5,045 6,530 365 1,520 5,410 8,050 Computers Total £ £ 125,200 1,795,144 2,198 2,198 (40,162) (141,652) 87,236 1,655,690 112,186 869,316 13,306 50,093 (40,162) (137,961) 85,330 781,449 1,906 874,241 13,014 925,828 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 327,900 | ||||
| 255,778 29,087 (97,799) |
||||
| 187,066 140,834 |
||||
| 173,612 |
17. Fixed asset investments
| Market value at 1st January 2024 Additions in the year Less :Disposals in period Net movement during the year Market value at 31st December 2024 Historical cost at 31st December 2024 |
Investment property £ - 600,000 - 15,240 |
Investment property £ - 600,000 - 15,240 |
Listed investments Total £ £ 705,302 705,302 209,530 809,530 (154,265) (154,265) 29,420 44,660 |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 615,240 | 789,987 1,405,227 |
||||
| 600,000 | 767,773 1,367,773 |
All investments are held for an investment return and are carried at market value as described below.
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024 (continued)
The property with a life tenant from whom no rent is received but who is required to ensure that it is adequately insured at her own expense. The Trust completed the purchase of the replacement Property for £600,000 in West London in May 2024 and is maintained by the Trust to preserve the value of the property.
The fair value of the investment property on 31 December 2024 was determined by the finance manager using UK House Price Index for Ealing for the relevant period. The property was purchased in May 2024 for £600,000 and hasn't since been revalued by an independent valuer.
The listed investments are directly invested on a recognised UK stock exchange and are valued at open market values on 31st December 2024 using the Stock Exchange Daily Official Listing or are invested in open ended collective investment funds valued by the provider in a similar manner. JM Finn as Investment Managers have provided valuation as at 31[st] December 2024.
Details of investments representing more than 5% by value of the portfolio are:
| JP Morgan American Investment Trust Ord GBP 0.05 I Shares Core S&P 500 Ucits ETF Usd Inc Investico Markets 111PLC The investments are held for the following funds: Endowment fund Restricted Funds Unrestricted - Designated funds - General fund Flat 9, 20 North Common Road.London W5 2QB |
2024 £ 615,240 56,839 52,752 51,094 2024 £ 328,878 32,490 - 428,619 789,987 |
2023 £ - 38,741 37,213 - 2023 £ 318,594 35,174 - 351,534 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 705,302 |
18. Stock Value
A net holding value of stock for books and other resources available for sale of £19,328 (2023 - £20,265) is held at year-end.
26
Docusign Envelope ID: 3550FDFB-C154-4AE5-98D6-8E364ED4A21BDocusign Envelope ID: 96875BF2-8EB0-42B3-9EDF-1FB6FEF4634C
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024 (continued)
19. Debtors
| 19.Debtors | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Amounts owed by overseas Interserve councils Income tax recoverable Accrued income Prepayments VAT recoverable Amounts due from ISSI and ISI Other debtors |
2024 £ 708 17,092 152,389 44,184 1,414 235,827 10,671 462,285 |
2023 £ - 7,234 200,569 44,456 357 430,098 46,244 |
|
| 728,958 |
Accrued income includes £140,962 legacy income confirmed as owing to Interserve from the estates of deceased under wills, but not yet received by the balance sheet date.
Amounts due from ISSI and ISI represents the sum of balances collected within the bank accounts to which Interserve Scotland and Ireland and Interserve Ireland have the legal title to. As stated elsewhere in the statements, both of these entities amalgamated their operations with the charity with effect from 1[st] May 2017 and therefore it is considered by all parties to that undertaking, that the net funds of these respective entities at 31[st] December 2024 in substance are held for the benefit of The International Service Fellowship Trust, and accordingly are classified within debtors of this charity.
20. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
| Amounts owed to Interserve International Expense creditors Taxation and social security costs Expense Accruals Other creditors |
2024 2023 £ £ 110,907 28,128 6,291 9,894 30,379 26,080 29,338 27,076 498 11,333 177,413 102,511 |
2023 £ 28,128 9,894 26,080 27,076 11,333 |
|---|---|---|
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Docusign Envelope ID: 3550FDFB-C154-4AE5-98D6-8E364ED4A21BDocusign Envelope ID: 96875BF2-8EB0-42B3-9EDF-1FB6FEF4634C
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024 (continued)
21. Defined benefit scheme provision
The Plan is a defined benefit plan operated on behalf of three pensioners who were previously employed by Interserve. In accordance with FRS 102, the net present value of the liabilities payable by Interserve in respect of this pension plan have been calculated as at 31st December for each of the years since 2005.
The benefits are not funded in advance and so no assets are held in a separate trust to meet the payments. The pensions for each of the members are payable for life, but no dependent benefits are payable on death. The pension payable to the three pensioners is increased at the rate of 5% per annum, from which a fixed offset is deducted.
The assumptions used for calculating the liabilities were as follows:
| 31st | December | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
| Discount rate | 5.0% p.a. | 4.3% p.a. | |
| Mortality assumption | 90% S4PFA_L | 90% S3PFA_L | |
| CMI Projection Model | CMI 2023 | CMI 2022 | |
| 2022 weight parameter | 15% | 25% | |
| 2023 weight parameter | 15% | n/a | |
| Long - term rate of improvement | 1.5%p.a. | 1.5%p.a. | |
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Change in Defined Benefit Obligation | |||
| Beginning Balance | (157,000) | (157,000) | |
| Interest cost | (6,000) | (7,000) | |
| Benefits paid | 26,000 | 25,000 | |
| Experience gains/(losses) on liabilities | (15,000) | (15,000) | |
| Changes to demographic assumptions | (3,000) | 1,000 | |
| Changes to financial assumptions | 4,000 | (4,000) | |
| Closing balance | (151,000) | (157,000) | |
| Remeasurements over the year | |||
| Experience gains/(losses) on liabilities | (15,000) | (15,000) | |
| (Losses)/gains from changes to demographic assumptions | (3,000) | 1,000 | |
| (Losses)/gains from changes to financial assumptions | 4,000 | (4,000) | |
| Total remeasurements | (14,000) | (18,000) | |
| Amounts recognised in the balance sheet | |||
| Present value of Scheme liabilities | 151,000 | 157,000 | |
| Expense recognised in Profit and Loss | |||
| Interest on liabilities | 6,000 | 7,000 | |
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
| Amounts for the current and previous period | £ | £ | |
| Defined benefit obligation | (151,000) | (157,000) | |
| Experience adjustments on liabilities | (14,000) | (18,000) |
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Docusign Envelope ID: 3550FDFB-C154-4AE5-98D6-8E364ED4A21BDocusign Envelope ID: 96875BF2-8EB0-42B3-9EDF-1FB6FEF4634C
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024 (continued)
22.Endowment fund
The endowment fund arises from an historic appeal by the charity called "Interserve Plus ". The purpose of the appeal was to create a permanent fund, the income of which is included in unrestricted funds and is used for meeting International support costs.
| 2024 movement 2023 movement |
O/Bal Gain/ (losses) C/Bal 01.01.2024 31.12.2024 £ £ £ 402,862 13,722 416,584 390,143 12,719 402,862 |
|---|---|
23. Restricted funds
The company holds restricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of donations held on trust to be applied for specific purposes:
| Country Team Partners Respite Transmissions Other Councils 2023 Total |
Balance 01.01.24 £ 27,236 8,412 54,784 213 90,645 |
Income £ - - 101,220 73,495 174,715 |
Expenses £ - - (114,232) (73,626) |
Gains/(losses) | Gains/(losses) | Transfers £ - - - - - |
Balance 31.12.24 £ 23,071 9,892 41,772 82 |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ (4,165) 1,480 - - (2,685) |
|||||||||||
| (187,858) | 74,817 |
Fund purposes :
-
Country Team - monies received for work amongst Asians in Britain and the support of Asian workers. This fund was formerly known as the Urban Vision Fund. The interest from this fund is receipted to general funds to offset the Country Team expenses which are paid for from the general fund.
-
Partners Respite - to enable the provision of respite for needy Partners.
-
Transmissions - monies raised for specific projects or the work of named individuals and organisations.
-
Other Councils - monies received for the support of non-England & Wales Partners.
29
Docusign Envelope ID: 3550FDFB-C154-4AE5-98D6-8E364ED4A21BDocusign Envelope ID: 96875BF2-8EB0-42B3-9EDF-1FB6FEF4634C
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024 (continued)
24. Designated funds
The income funds of the company include the following designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds:
| unrestricted funds: | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Insurance Legacy & exceptional gift Legacy tithe Asset Management Fund Strategic Development Fellowship Partner Property with life tenant Capital reserve St Johns House Kitab new publication fund Community Ministry Fund Partner resettlement fund Partner support funds IFP & OT Plus 2024 Total Fund purposes: |
Balance 01.01.2024 £ 16,403 587,328 179,129 264,830 232,867 150,110 895,170 925,827 171 28,219 375 47,463 653,781 3,597 |
Income £ - - - - - 4,953 - - 22,174 - 63 - 1,466,911 811 |
Expenses £ - (3,394) (96,000) (1,418) - 2,283 (36,963) (53,784) (128,493) - - (6,093) (1,311,093) (200) (1,635,155) |
Gains/(losses) £ - - - - - - 15,240 - - - - - - - 15,240 |
Transfers £ - 89,514 45,374 - (9,951) - 2,198 106,148 - (438) 3,226 (92,273) (830) |
Balance 31.12.2024 £ 16,403 673,448 128,503 263,412 232,867 147,395 873,447 874,241 0 28,219 - 44,596 717,326 3,378 |
||
| 3,985,270 | 1,494,912 | 142,968 | 4,003,235 | |||||
-
Insurance - monies received from overseas partners for the purpose of replacing equipment when damaged or lost.
-
Legacy & exceptional gift - unrestricted legacy and exceptional large income gifts designated for use to initiate or support Interserve projects or support the general work if our reserves fall below the minimum set out in the Reserves Policy.
-
Legacy tithe - 10% of legacy and exceptional gifts designated to support projects which complement Interserve's work and are consistent with our strategic objectives.
Asset Management Fund - monies designated for the development and maintenance of fixed assets.
Strategic Development - monies designated for use to initiate or support Interserve projects.
- Fellowship Partner - monies raised for unallocated Partner support in year, but surplus to requirements and carried over to provide contingency support to individuals support requirements in future periods.
Property with life tenant - reserve for non-realisable value of property subject to life tenancy.
Capital reserve
-
monies invested in tangible fixed assets.
-
St John’s House - funding for development and operational costs of St John’s House, Birmingham.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 3550FDFB-C154-4AE5-98D6-8E364ED4A21BDocusign Envelope ID: 96875BF2-8EB0-42B3-9EDF-1FB6FEF4634C
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024 (continued)
24. Designated funds (continued)
Kitab new publication - monies from legacy fund used to publish books for sale through Kitab. The fund converts from stock back to cash as publications are sold.
Community ministry fund - monies set aside to fund ministries by members of Interserve and outside of Interserve.
-
Partner resettlement - monies set aside to cover the costs of paying partner resettlement allowances at end of final period of service.
-
Partner support funds - monies carried forward to cover ongoing and future costs of supporting individual Partners.
-
IFP & OT Plus - monies held for the support of Independently Funded (IFP) and On Track Plus (OT Plus, who are medium term placement) Partners.Where the funds are overdrawn the IFP and OT Plus would pay in the relevant amount to bring the balance back to credit or zero.
Fund transfers in 2024:
Between general fund and designated funds (£142,968):
£453,748 legacy income transferred out from the General fund into the Legacy & exceptional gift (90%, £408,373) and Legacy tithe (10%, £45375) funds as per policy.
£165,000 transferred in to the General fund from the Legacy & exceptional gift fund to cover costs of internal development projects and approved operational deficit.
£142,526 transferred in to the General fund from Partner support funds , being contribution towards the direct support costs of the National Office.
£7,500 transferred in to the General fund from Partner Support fund, being net contribution towards the direct support costs of the National Office
£2,048 transferred from the General Fund to Partner Support fund .
£2,198 transferred into capital reserve for costs that have been capitalised.
Between specific designated funds:
£3,225 transferred out from the Partner support funds into the Partner resettlement fund, to provide for payment of allowances at the end of their final term of service to help meet costs of resettling in the UK.
£106,148 transferred out from Legacy & exceptional gift fund into St John’s House fund for contribution to Operational costs.
£47,712 transferred out from Legacy & exceptional gift fund into Partner support funds in support of net underfunded Partner costs.
£750 transferred in to the Partner Support Fund from OT funds.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 3550FDFB-C154-4AE5-98D6-8E364ED4A21BDocusign Envelope ID: 96875BF2-8EB0-42B3-9EDF-1FB6FEF4634C
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024 (continued)
£438 transferred from the Community Fund to Partner Support funds.
£10,163 was transferred from the Partner Fellowship Support to Partner Support Funds to adjust the net effect of the funding method change .
£212 was transferred into the Partner Fellowship Support Fund on closure of the Community Ministry Fund.
25. Unrestricted- General fund
| 2024 General fund | O/Bal C/Bal 01.01.24 Income Expenses Gains Transfers 31.12.24 £ £ £ £ £ £ 567,512 968,468 (805,025) 21,768 (142,968) 609,756 |
|---|---|
All fund transfers to and from in 2024 were between it and designated funds, details for which are shown under Note 24.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 3550FDFB-C154-4AE5-98D6-8E364ED4A21BDocusign Envelope ID: 96875BF2-8EB0-42B3-9EDF-1FB6FEF4634C
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024 (continued)
26. Analysis of net assets between funds
| Restricted General Designated Total funds £ £ £ £ Tangible fixed assets - 874,241 874,241 - Investments 428,619 615,240 1,043,859 32,489 Current assets 500,986 2,522,318 3,023,303 42,328 Current liabilities (168,849) (8,564) (177,413) - Defined benefit scheme provision (151,000) - (151,000) - 609,756 4,003,235 4,612,991 74,817 Unrealised gains on above investments 18,774 15,240 34,014 (223) Reconciliation of unrealised gains/(losses) on investments Unrealised gains/(losses) at 1st January 2024 (604) - (604) 2,443 Gain/(loss) on revaluation/ disposal in year 19,378 15,240 34,618 (2,666) Unrealised gains at 31st December 2024 18,774 15,240 34,014 (223) Unrestricted funds |
Restricted General Designated Total funds £ £ £ £ - 874,241 874,241 - 428,619 615,240 1,043,859 32,489 500,986 2,522,318 3,023,303 42,328 (168,849) (8,564) (177,413) - (151,000) - (151,000) - Unrestricted funds |
Restricted General Designated Total funds £ £ £ £ - 874,241 874,241 - 428,619 615,240 1,043,859 32,489 500,986 2,522,318 3,023,303 42,328 (168,849) (8,564) (177,413) - (151,000) - (151,000) - Unrestricted funds |
Restricted General Designated Total funds £ £ £ £ - 874,241 874,241 - 428,619 615,240 1,043,859 32,489 500,986 2,522,318 3,023,303 42,328 (168,849) (8,564) (177,413) - (151,000) - (151,000) - Unrestricted funds |
Endowment Total fund funds £ £ - 874,241 328,878 1,405,226 87,706 3,153,337 - (177,413) - (151,000) |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 609,756 | 4,003,235 4,612,991 |
74,817 | 416,584 5,104,392 |
||
| 18,774 | 15,240 34,014 |
(223) | 3,663 37,454 |
||
| 2,443 (2,666) |
(5,798) (3,959) 9,461 41,413 |
||||
| 18,774 15,240 34,014 |
(223) | 3,663 37,454 |
33
Docusign Envelope ID: 3550FDFB-C154-4AE5-98D6-8E364ED4A21BDocusign Envelope ID: 96875BF2-8EB0-42B3-9EDF-1FB6FEF4634C
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024 (continued)
27. Reconciliation of net income to net cash flow from operating activities
| Defined benefit pension scheme interest adjustment Analysis of changes in net debt At 1 January 2024 £ Cash at bank and in hand 2,131,972 Net cash provided by operating activities Net (Expenditure)/Income for the reporting period (as per the statement of financial activities) Adjustments for: Depreciation charges (Gains) /Loss on investments Dividends, interest and rents from investments Loss on disposal of fixed assets Decrease in stocks Decrease in debtors incl.short term investments (Decrease)Increase in creditors |
2024 £ 72,103 50,093 (48,044) (138,919) 3,691 937 266,673 74,902 (14,000) 267,436 At 31 Cash flows £ (211,135) |
2023 £ 502,945 60,488 (416,529) (71,703) - 462 41,753 (12,706) (18,000) |
|---|---|---|
| 86,710 | ||
| December 2024 £ 1,920,837 |
28. Analysis of cash and cash equivalents
| Total cash and cash equivalents Cash in hand |
2024 2023 £ £ 1,920,837 2,131,972 1,920,837 2,131,972 |
|---|---|
29. Corporation Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation on chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.
34